Argues that teachers need help developing the knowledge and habits of mind to construct practices that embody the integration of assessment with instruction. Describes a study in which teachers try to link assessment with instruction through cases. (ASK)

Describes a two-week summer experience for teachers and students on a dig in Colorado looking for fossil records of the plants and animals in the area. (DDR)

Describes a teacher's involvement with Monarch Watch, an organization that tracks the migration of the monarch butterfly each fall. (DDR)

Asserts that an essential element in the school improvement process is the creation of a professional staff-development program. Outlines recent literature that offer guidelines for implementing these programs, and addresses program and participant evaluation. Contains 19 references. (VWC)

Science teachers say that improving science education requires smaller classes, adequate resources, better staff development, and more teacher collaboration. Poor achievement on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study stems from watered-down curricula, teacher knowledge gaps, and student failures in "gate-keeping" courses.…

For formative assessment to raise academic standards in Scotland, three advances are required: investment in research and development to exploit new possibilities for developing pupils' learning potential; development work with teachers to change understandings and roles; and public and political action to establish system contexts and…

Describes staff-development programs for a secondary school district, focusing on technology training. Discusses the district setting; the importance of a district-wide vision; professional development courses focusing on alternative assessment techniques, student-centered curriculum, and technology use; technology as a transformational tool; and…

Recent research indicates that computers can raise student achievement, but when used the wrong way, they can do more harm than good. The educational benefits of computers are greatest when they are used in sophisticated ways. Any professional development with computers leads to gains in student achievement. Most schools are not using computers in…

Describes the need and rationale for a culture-inclusive course for prospective and practicing teachers. Discusses related research that was carried out in a high school mathematics class, together with some of the issues and constraints that arose. Provides two examples of student projects and a description of the course. Contains 49 references.…

Addresses the questions of how documented opportunities to learn can be aligned with NCTM Standards, and how elementary teachers' efforts to provide such opportunities can be supported. Conducts a study of the effects of curriculum (problem solving versus skills) and professional development (subject-matter focused versus collegial support) on…

Describes the Teacher Educator Institute, a program in the context of Jewish education that is designed to develop educational leaders as teacher educators, those who plan and provide professional development for classroom teachers. The program strives to develop a leadership cadre that is generally missing within the North American system of…

Describes a professional-development program for experienced elementary teachers that focused on teacher learning. Data collected over 18 months and qualitatively analyzed for setting features and learning processes indicative of an intellectual focus identified five setting features and two broad patterns of engagement (from less- to…

Evaluated a professional development program for helping middle school teachers respond to changes resulting from the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Curriculum Standards. Surveys indicated that teachers who completed the two graduate courses combining content and pedagogy had a large increase in their understanding of and beliefs in…

A media training program conducted for faculty and administrators at Seton Hall University (New Jersey) is described. The program has helped participants become more confident in speaking to media, enhanced the university's visibility, and built campus confidence in the public relations staff. Suggestions are made for selecting the target audience…

True college-faculty development must be holistic and integrative of all the needs and activities of individual faculty members, and undertaken by faculty and institution together to shape the fabric of academic life. Faculty must also work with professional associations to help ensure that doctoral programs are preparing students for a sufficient…